John Ridley is setting himself up for a big year. First, he announced The Other History of the DC Universe, about the socio-political experiences of superheroes that are traditionally overlooked at times throughout history including John Stewart, Vixen, and Supergirl. This will be under DC's new Black Label imprint, that allows creators freedom to tell stories without worrying about continuity issues, tel alternate tales like the former Elseworlds titles or that take place at different points in time for characters.
Now it was just announced via Deadline, that Ridley will write, and direct an adaptation of his current sequel series American Way: Those Above and Those Below. The writer/director has entered into a deal with Blumhouse Productions, you know those guys that put out a few hit horror flicks like Get Out and The Insidious Franchise, to bring Those Above and Those Below to the big screen. If you aren't aware of the series let me break it down for you. 1962, the United States is enthralled by epic battles of Good versus Evil as the Civil Defense Corps, the premier Superhero group of the time fight for Truth, Justice and the American Way. But they didn't it was all a sham and created to keep the country in line. The sequel series picks up 10 years later as the remaining super powered individuals attempt to continue on as heroes in some real capacity or simply push their ideals.
Both series were applauded for their unflinching look at how race relations would truly impact the world of superheroes. Ridley wrote some truly compelling characters and this is what brought him back to DC to write the sequel in the first place, and now Blumhouse is set to bring it to us on the big screen. The fact that Ridley is not only, writing but directing bodes well for a faithful adaptation of his work.
If you've read the books, what do you think of this announcement? Are you excited to see this come to fruition? Who do you think it should be cast in the film?